Patellar Fixation Following Fracture: A Retrospective Review of Outcomes Following Varying Surgical Interventions

Abstract

Purpose: Patella fractures are a common injury in trauma patients and can be treated with a multitude of different fixation methods. With so many fixation techniques available, no current consensus exists on best practices for patients presenting with this injury. The purpose of this analysis is to review the multiple different patella fixation strategies and to evaluate the outcomes and complications associated with each.

Methods: One hundred and fifteen patients who underwent patellar fracture fixation at an urban Level I-Trauma center were retrospectively reviewed. Operative treatment included open reduction and internal fixation with plate and screw devices, tension band wiring (TBW), cannulated screw tension band wiring (CS-TBW), isolated interfragmentary screw fixation, or partial patellectomy with soft tissue repair and tendon advancement. Patient demographics, fracture and injury characteristics, operative variables, radiographic information, and post-operative outcome measurements were recorded for each patient assessed in the study.

Results: Results demonstrated that plating techniques had the highest overall rate of union. Furthermore, a significant decrease in implant removal with utilization of isolated suture/wire was appreciated compared to other fixation groups (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: We conclude that plate utilization achieves high radiographic union compared with other fixation methods.